Heavy rains over the weekend have triggered flash floods in various parts of Pakistan, local media reported. At least 17 people were killed and over 20 others injured in several rain-related accidents in eastern and southern Pakistan on Sunday, local media and officials said.

The Chitral valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was the worst-affected as the floods snapped most road links to and from Chitral city, Geo News reported.

A rescue operation has been initiated to aid the affected population and an emergency imposed in Chitral as rains continued.

Several parts of Punjab province were also affected. At least 100 villages and settlements were inundated around its capital Lahore, which faced a medium-level flood.

Officials said water levels in the river Indus were rising.

Abdul Aziz Soomro, the in-charge of the control room at Sindh province’s Sukkur Barrage, said water levels were expected to rise further in the next 24 hours at Guddu and Sukkur barrages.

Hundreds of locals and tourists are stranded in different areas of the district as dozens of connective bridges have collapsed due to flood.

Severe downpours in Chitral and adjoining areas have disrupted lives. Several connective roads joining different valleys have been completely inundated. Pakistan Army soldiers had started relief activities on July 20 for the people who are stuck in the affected areas. Relief goods and food items were distributed among the affectees. According to sources, tourists have been rescued by the soldiers.

However, the Pakistan Army is struggling with provision of required medicines and staple diet.

The roads in Kalash, Bamborait, Garam Chashma and sub-division Mastoj are still closed for all kinds of traffic. The authorities have declared emergency in the district. Hundreds of people are stranded in different affected areas of the district.

Severe waves have caused damages to hundreds of houses, shops and other installments.

Dozens of houses in Arkari have been washed away. The affectees have said that no rescue team has reached Arkari yet to provide relief items.

However, Peshawar Corps Commander said that at least 125 ton staple diet has been provided to affectees in Chitral. Major General Nadir Khan said that floods affectees must not feel left out in these tough times. Pakistan army stands with them, he added. Khan further said that as many as two helicopters are performing duties in the affecetd areas.

Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Sardar Hussain said that neither federal nor provincial minister paid a visit to Chitral